As exciting as it may be to push your auto well above fifty-five or sixty miles an hour, doing so can really put a dent in your wallet. With gas prices near all time highs, implementing a few gas saving tips can really pay off.

The US Environmental Protection Agency reports that in highway driving over 50% of the energy required to move your car down the road goes to overcoming aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance. As you drive faster, both drag and resistance increase. As a result, at speeds above 55 mph, fuel economy decreases rapidly.

For folks driving a typical passenger car, cruising at 65 instead of 70 will save you about $5 per hour in fuel. Those in light trucks will save nearly $10 an hour.

Using Overdrive and Cruise Control

Your overdrive gears improve the fuel economy of your car during highway driving. When you use overdrive gearing your car's engine speed decreases. This reduces both fuel consumption and engine wear.

The cruise control can help you maintain a constant speed during highway driving. Setting and using the cruise will help you control fuel consumption

Around Town Hints

The EPA reports that in city driving, nearly 50% of the energy needed to power your car goes to acceleration. To get the most from your gas, avoid unnecessary braking that wastes energy. Additionally, try to avoid extreme acceleration except in emergency situations as it causes your engine to enter a "fuel enrichment mode" of operation which is considerably less efficient than normal driving

Anticipating traffic conditions ahead and avoiding tailgating can help minimize unnecessary braking and acceleration thus improving fuel economy.

Warming up your car isn't necessary for most cars today. No matter how efficient your car is, unnecessary idling wastes fuel, costs you money.

Related:
Year 2000 fuel economy guide
Top Ten Fuel Conservation Tips
Fuel tips at the EPA's fuel economy website: http://www.fueleconomy.gov